Beloved son of the late Glen and Ginny McKenna. Dear brother to Peggy (the late Jim) McEvoy; Bill (Debbie); the late Tim; Cookie (Dennis) Fitzgerald; Don (Kim); Bill (Cyndi); Denny (Teri); Mary Ellen (Todd) Vollet; Fraternal twin Kevin (Patty). Favorite uncle to 58; Great uncle to 56. Special cousin to the Mess Family. Best friend to Babs Goldson.
A proud Lindbergh graduate and Hall of Famer, Brian was an All-State soccer player and a natural athlete. Despite his accomplishments in a long career in “sports talk”, he was prouder and more passionate about his charitable work. If Brian heard about a need, he was there.
No one who knew Brian liked him – they LOVED him. He lived by his code “Faith, Family, Friends”. His personality cast a light that shone brightly and drew the best out in others. Even with his health issues, Brian remained upbeat and positive.
As a true Irishman, Brian loved a good party, and sometimes he WAS the party. He was very family oriented and adored his many nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed the many “McKenna Clan” gatherings and still enjoys an unbreakable bond with Kevin.
The “Mayor of Francis Park” will be missed by everyone who knew him. Brian touched many different people in many different ways. His loss leaves a hole in the lives of those who knew him, especially our family.
May the Lord hold him close and remember always “YOUR VIBE ATTRACTS YOUR TRIBE”.
In Brian’s memory, please donate to BackStoppers, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
Per his wishes, a Celebration of Brian’s life will be held at a future date.
To the McKenna family
Our deep sympathy & sincere condolences on Brians passing.
We were backyard neighbors for many years with the McKenna family.
The Zone Family
Thank you so much he definitely loved his Hood
To Brian,
Your tribe is forever lost without your vibe. Our hearts are broken. We will miss you forever!
Love Ya,
Donna
My sincerest condolences to the McKenna family. This is an unbelievable loss for all who loved and knew Brian. The most fun , funny vibrant person I have ever known. I am going to miss his smiling face and his laughter.
Until we meet again Brian.
Slán go fóill
Stacey Crowley
Ok
Brian always lit up a room and was the first to help someone in need
He did not seek pity when he was facing cancer instead tried to help others who were going through the same fight.
Brian was in Heaven before most of us knew he had passed
Enjoyed your weekly online show with Babs. You could make so many laugh, even yourself, or make us cry. Thank you for loving our hometown and being the best example of what makes it special. You’ll be missed more than words can say. Gone too soon. RIP.
Brian was an ambassador for St. Louis, Lindbergh, Hero’s Network, The Backstoppers and many , many more organizations. He was a dear friend and will missed by everyone
I’ve had the extreme honor of knowing Brian for probably 59 yrs. My heart is literally breaking for the loss of him and the amazing McKenna family. He was a force of nature even during all of his surgeries. His infectious smile always made you smile. He was so loved and will forever be missed. I love you Brian, Murph
Rest in Pease Brian. You will be remembered for ever dear friend.
Praying for the McKenna Family.
Brian, you were such a remarkable human. You left us all, with so much to be inspired by…and, so much to live by.
Prayers and peace to Kevin, and the entire McKenna Family.
~JVC
I’m at a loss of words , except you are gone but never forgotten by the young and old alike
Deepest sympathy…remembering Brian with love and laughter!
Brian, we were Adversity University brothers
In arms! We shared a bond through our trials through health and survival so few would understand but many would love! You weren’t only my friend and fellow warrior, you were an inspiration and a light of hope for all who knew you! You were taken too soon and I miss you deeply! My condolences to your amazing family, and I ask God for you to please watch over us all. We will never forget you and always cherish the memories and time we got to spend with you! God rest my brother!
So sorry to learn of your passing Bruan, my heart goes out to your family and the tribe! You will always be Shecky McKenna to me brother!
The Rhino,
We lost a good one, heaven is a better place with Brian. Super human being, so giving, didn’t know a stranger. I’m saddened to have lost such a good friend. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Brian!
I am profoundly saddened by this. Brian treated me like I was some kind of celebrity whenever we would see each other. He treated everyone that way. He radiated so much love, laughter and was a bright light on the world. We are all better humans for having known him.
RIP Brian. Sending lots of love and prayers to the McKenna family at this time. Brian was a one-of-a-kind person whose light will shine on forever.
To the McKenna family. St Louis is hurting with you. I did not know Brian as well as others but was always inspired by his journey and heart. I saw him often out and he always said hello. My favorite memory of him was when I was at Soils. He walked by my friend and I and I said to my friend, “HEY! that’s Brian McKenna!” -. He obviously heard me and instantly turned around and came back to our table. He knelt on the floor and talked to us for a long time! He was a light in the dark to so many. Rest in Peace Brian. you will forever be missed. Take care of your Babs from above.
Brian and the whole McKenna Clan are and were a force!! Rest in peace Heaven has a special spot for you!!
Rest in Eternal Peace, Brian. Deepest condolences to the family on this tremendous loss.
RIP Brian. You will be missed my friend!
Much love and peace to the McKenna family, and all Brian’s friends and extended family members. I met Brian at the worst time of my life, also going through cancer treatment. I will always remember his smile and his funny anecdotes that cheered me up through some very dark hours. We kept in touch over the years and I honor and cherish his friendship and our unique kinship. If anyone knew how to live happy he did!! He was one in a billion!!! I know there is a huge party in heaven right now and I know who is leading it!!
My deepest condolences on the loss of this incredible human being. Brian’s entire family is in my prayers.
Mark and Dee Dee Borzillo will always cherish the great times we shared as kids with the Mckenna clan. Mom and Dad loved your folks and your family. Saddened by Brian’s untimely death. Prayers for peace during this time.
Like everyone else who knew Brian for over 30 years, we send our most heartfelt wishes for peace and love to the Tribe!
We are feeling blessed to have been part of the extended community of friends and family.
Brian was one of the most selfless people I knew despite what he was dealing with in his personal life. He was always busy on his way to help someone. I think he would like each of us to carry his torch in our own little ways to help each other so his light shines bright always.
The whole McKenna family is in my thoughts and prayers. I personally know Patty too and she is awesome and is a blessing.
Love always and let me know if I can help you.
Peace!
I remember how Brian would comment that cancer was his superhero power. That he wouldn’t change a thing, as it gave him a platform to help others. Very selfless. And boy did he help others…a lot of them. May Brian’s memory be eternal.
You will be forever in our hearts, Brian. And the loved you showed to all will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to the McKenna family and all who knew and loved him.
To the McKenna Family & Friends,
My sincere condolences and prayers for you all during this difficult time. I did not personally know Brian but, I sincerely wish I had. He was a very special person on this Earth. Now he will be your very special Angel in Heaven. Brian may you Rest In Peace for All Eternity. You’ve earned & deserved this.
Sincerely in prayer, Eileen Young Gibson
St. Louis weeps at the overwhelming loss of Brian.
Sincere condolences to the McKenna family and all the dear friends of Brian. Godspeed
Brian had an infectious way to make you laugh within seconds , always Joking and cutting up and having fun ! Never a dull moment with Brian around , Last hour senior year was hilarious- “Rushing” .
A Pillar in the community with his charity work , and sports talk Radio -Top Shelf .
He will be greatly missed .
Brian, you were one of a kind. A friend to all. You are a great friend to many.
Love And Condolences,
John DeSherlia
We losted an incredible person last Saturday and he will be missed dearly by so many. Celebration of life for Brian sounds perfect to honor him. I m going to miss watching the Brian and Babs show, what a pair. 💜
My deepest condolences to the McKenna family.
My deepest condolences to the McKenna family. Brian was a great man and every time we saw each other out in public he would make it a mission to come up and talk to me and joke about life, the radio, sports he was just an all around good dude.
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.
You will forever be missed Brian! I hope and pray that all us who were blessed to know you can make you proud by keeping your vibe going!
To all the McKenna Clan and Babs. My heart is heavy for all of you. What a light and treasure Brian was for you and many. Keep carrying the beautiful vibe Brian had through out your life.. My sincere condolences . Love and hugs.
I’ll never forget how eager and willing Brian was to help me find success and be a mentor early in my career. I was fortunate to also live in the same neighborhood as Brian for many years. No matter if it had been a week, or months since we last saw each other, Brian was always thrilled to catch up and share stories. Brian was the living embodiment of the Golden Rule. Treating others like we all wish to be treated. St. Louis and this world is better because of Brian.
Brian a friend, a light, and someone who touched our lives in ways words can hardly capture. It’s difficult to sit here and find the right things to say, because no words can truly ease the weight of this loss. But I want to try, for Brian, and for all of us who loved him.
Brian had a way about him—whether it was his intoxicating laugh that could fill a room, his kindness that never seemed to run out, or the way he made you feel like you mattered, no matter what. He wasn’t just a friend to me; he was a reminder of what it means to live with heart. I’ll never forget when his Facebook page was maxed out and he deleted someone for me. Sorry whoever got deleted…😳
Losing him feels really unfair, and it’s okay to feel that ache. But I find some comfort in knowing that Brian’s spirit his goodness, his humor, his warmth doesn’t leave us. It lives in the stories we’ll tell, the quiet smiles when we think of him, and the way we’ll try to live a little better because we knew him.
To Brian’s family and all who loved him, my heart is with you. Let’s hold each other close in this grief, and let’s keep Brian alive in how we choose to move forward. Rest easy, Brian. You’ll always be with us.”
I’m glad I’m part of your Tribe!
How absolutely beautiful, and perfect Ed.
I hope I can call myself part of his tribe. I met him once, when my friend and I came to his house to deliver the clothes we were donating to his clothing drive for the homeless. He had a big Serv Pro truck out in front to collect the donated clothing. It was a pleasure to meet both he and Babs that day, after “knowing” them on Facebook for so long. My daughter worked in radio here in StL also, she knew of Brian, and they knew a lot of the same radio people, but Christy said she never met him. Oddly enough, it was she who broke the sad news to me about Brian. My daughter called me, and a Facebook friend I know was texting me at the same time.
It was such devastating news, I couldn’t believe it was true. My thoughts immediately went to the McKenna family and Babs. Kevin.
I pray that God holds them extra close, brings them strength and peace to get them through this difficult time. May they feel Brian’s spirit surrounding them with love.
We will all miss that selfless, charming soul.
Rest in Peace Brian.
(Cheri Lynn – my Facebook name)
The world lost another good one! RIP Brian. I always enjoyed seeing you and the conversations that came along!
Brian you treated everyone like a friend including me. Im going to miss laughing it up with you at the gym (Xist). Remember… “Im on a zoom call!” I laugh every time I think about it! You will be so missed my brother.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the McKenna’s. I’m sad that Brian has left us, but so happy that he was here. “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”
To the McKenna Family- I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have of Brian. The love Brian created lives on forever.
To Brian – thank you for the joy and fun and friendship you gave my brother Chris Shocklee. I don’t know how he’s going to fill his Fridays or Saturdays without you and the electric fun you all created but I hope you can help him from heaven.
What a loss! Brian did not know me that well, I was a friend of a friend. But every time we saw him, he acted like I was his long lost friend for years. Amazingly he remembered my kids names, and remembered that I had just lost my dad. He was a great example of how to live and treat other people. Sincere condolences to the family and his gigantic circle of friends.
Heartbreaking loss for family, friends and community. An all inspiring wonderful human. Rest in eternal peace sweet Brian and know that you were loved and adored and will be fiercely missed. Deepest condolences to the McKenna family☘️
Brian’s boundless energy forced the numbness from the world around him. The same fire in his belly that warmed those who loved him could scorch those with lesser character.
At a time when hatred, lies and ignorance spew forth from so many, we should reflect on the question: What would Brian want us to do now?
I think we know the answer…stoke that Brian-like fire in your belly and warm each other with the memories of Brian McKenna fighting for those who need our help.
To all the McKenna family, we’ve been through a lot together over the years. Know that we are here for you.
To the Family and
Loved ones of Brian-
I am sending out my thoughts, prayers and condolences to you! We have all lost a true shining star, way too soon. Brian set South City aglow with his compassion, laughter and antics. His sheer presence was ALWAYS Positive, Infectious and Encouraging. Brian, you will be missed and never forgotten.
Your Tribe will also miss you and Babs on Thursdays!
🙏🏻💞🕊️☘️🥂
Always loved seeing you and about –
Mary Jo
May your vibe/soul find your eternal tribe. Your light will be remembered always in our hearts. (Love you bro) Peace & Love
My heart goes out to the McKenna family, friends & tribe. Brian’s love of life & life of love is truly an exemplary model of how we can strive for purpose & joy. No doubt God welcomed him with open arms saying, “ Well done my good & faithful servant.”
Words cannot express the loss felt by Brian’s passing. I never met him personally, but I felt like I knew him through his stories and his Thursday shows with Babs! He was a light to all of us and you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth next. I knew his parents back in the 80’s when they were pur neighbors in Affton.
My sincerely condolences are wished for the entire McKenna clan and Babs, and to all who knew him personally! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time! 🙏🙏
I met Brian at Powerhouse Gym and through many years i have watched him grow into the most humble and kind, giving and charitable human being. He always looked outward, to see who might need him and was so generous with his time and talent, jumping in to help everywhere!
. He wasnt ever “all about Brian” it was always about others. And maybe thats why he was so able to walk through fire with a beautiful heart and a purpose to love. He truly was a light wherever he was. To his family and his Babs , my heart breaks for all of you, All of St Louis is aching. But he left us with so much positivity and example.. i hope we can remember his example and his humor, his perseverance, and his faith. I hope his younger family members learn how to love through Brian. he was really great at it!
I will miss very much, his abundant joy and faith, his great music, his humerous and kind chalk board signs and the way he dressed Manny, his friendship with Babs speaks volumes about who he is and EVERYONE should love their mother the way he loved his! I know she is still hugging his neck in Heaven and might never let go. Rest in the arms of Jesus sweet friend. St Louis and all who knew you are a little less sweet since you left us. But, Our Vibe Attracts Our Tribe and soon we will laugh again. See you on the other side one glorious day.
I sure hope you can send peace and comfort for Babs and your beloved, wonderful family. They are feeling so lost without you. We all do. I hope Babs gets the giant sunflower i gave you to cheer you when you began chemo. And I really hope it did cheer you!
I was lucky enough to know Brian and what a shining light he was. Every time I’d run into him he could light up a room and make my day. What a tremendous loss for all who knew and loved him! I’ll remember the fun times at all the South St. Louis gathering places. Rest in Peace Brian McKenna!!
To Bill McKenna and Family
I was so sad to hear about Brian’s passing
I have great memories of all the clan get togethers!. I don’t think I ever saw Brian
without a smile on his face!
Our Deepest Sympathy
Joyce Tettamble and Family
Prayers to his family, neighbors, friends and the community. Such an inspiring human that did wonderful acts of kindness and shared his journey with countless who adored him. He will be fiercely missed; rest in eternal peace sweet Brian. Thanks for all the blessings☘️
Brian was a great ambassador to Lindbergh and all of the city of St. Louis. He was a wonderful student and friend of mine. I am so saddened about the loss of Brian.
I just heard about the loss of Brian McKenna. I had the unique perspective of being a part of his care team at Siteman. You don’t forget a patient that is so inspiring, so upbeat, and so committed to lifting up other people going through similar journeys. When participating in the care of someone for so long, you do get to know them and also come to admire and care about them. What was different about Brian was his ability to make people laugh, and his unwavering caring about his caregiving team’s lives. Even on his worst days. When seeing him in the office his first question was always , How are you? How’s your family?
Didn’t complain but was self deprecating almost to a fault.
Brian I gave you my best advice for a new song to add to your playlist and I hope it helped!
Rest in peace dear soul.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the McKenna family.
Steve Oppland
Dear family McKenna, all of Brian’s close friends, and his tribe he attracted with his sweet Vibe, I pray that all who loved him are feeling God’s love and you have been comforted some. There is nothing on earth more difficult than experiencing such immense loss. Brian was a truly selfless, endearing, positive and sweetest guys on earth.
May you always feel Brian near you in spirit, and the memories sustain you with joy and love.
Cheri Lynn (Facebook name)
From a kid in the OLP community, to Lindbergh school, to the STL community, if you had the opportunity to know Brian then you knew a good one! He will never be replaced, but will always be remembered.
Was looking for another obituary and came upon Brian’s. We only briefly met in Schnucks parking lot of all places! This was just a few months ago. At the time I was wearing a sling on my right arm and was having trouble with my groceries. He came up to me as I was leaving (kind of startled me) and said “I’ll walk you to your car and help you load your bags”. I kept saying it was not necessary but he insisted. Once I got to my car and we loaded everything in, I introduced myself, and he said “Brian McKenna”. I told him he looked familiar and he said “I just have one of those faces!) Well my old Honda would not start, so he offered to wait with me for AAA. He made a huge impression on me, and I was shocked to see his obituary. What a gentleman and from the messages on this site it seems I was not the only one he helped and not the only one he positively affected. Rest in peace.
Brian you were a great guy. Remember all the great times at SEMO and playing soccer with you and your brother. Just wishing there were more people in this world like yourself. RIP brother till we meet again !
To family and friends of Brian-sincere condolences on this prince of man. Much love to Babs, loved the show on thursdays.
The St. Louis community and charities he was involved with will continue their good work with help from above.
To simply say that BRIAN MC KENNA “will be missed “ is an understatement…
I met this amazing, beautiful, talented genuine man
in 1990 when we were both brand new employees @ the brand new
GOLD’s GYM that had opened in Kenrick Plaza. His nick name @ the gym was
“ Ken Doll “ for obvious reasons ……..
Not only was he cute – he was a nice guy who was naturally, hysterically funny and never at a loss for a good comeback !
Back in the day, when he was a well known sports commentator and a beloved radio broadcaster; I used to tell him if he ever changes careers he should become
a stand up comedian.
Of course, he would write his own material and of course he would have every venue SOLD OUT.
He was so many things to so many people. His enthusiasm and passion and energy for just being ALIVE and for truly helping others in need was and IS a
GOD given gift. As he was himself to all who knew him and loved him.
How blessed he was and how blessed are the many people who were a part of his
“ tribe “
Myself included …
Peace & Love to the Mc Kenna family during this difficult time.
Enjoy Paradise Brian !
I’m pretty sure I heard roaring laughter coming from the skies since you’ve joined your new Heavenly Tribe.
Love ‘ya,
Maureen Avouris & Family
March 22, 2025
My sincere condolences to the entire McKenna family. I hope loving memories sustain you during your grief.
May Brian rest in eternal peace.
Oh Brian, it doesn’t seem right to not see you at the park or on your balcony or at one of the hot spots in the neighborhood. Your energy, your giving heart and your sense of humor will live on in all of us you’ve touched.
To your family I say thank you for sharing him with us. I’m sorry for your loss
I always told Brian that he needs to write a book.
Thank God for Facebook because that’s exactly what he did. He left us with the most incredible journey of his life. It’s funny, its sad, it’s unique and inspirational, and it definitely brings a WHOLE lot of people together “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe”
Someone needs to bring his story to the big screen, because HE was truly an incredible human being. Sending prayers to the whole McKenna clan.
My sincere condolences to the Mc Kenna family and to you Babs.
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Brian, but so blessed to have known him.
Brian, you had a way of making everyone you came in contact with feel special. Megan and I will miss your guest appearances at the Mack. 😊 I toast to one of the coolest human beings I’ve ever met. Cheers, brother. ❤️